Zephaniah 2:9

KJV

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, Surely Moab {H4124} shall be as Sodom {H5467}, and the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} as Gomorrah {H6017}, even the breeding {H4476} of nettles {H2738}, and saltpits {H4379}{H4417}, and a perpetual {H5704}{H5769} desolation {H8077}: the residue {H7611} of my people {H5971} shall spoil {H962} them, and the remnant {H3499} of my people {H1471} shall possess {H5157} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, as I live," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, "Mo'av will become like S'dom and the people of 'Amon like 'Amora, a land covered with nettles and salt pits, desolate forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them, the survivors in my nation will inherit them."

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.”

American Standard Version

Therefore as I live, saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall make a prey of them, and the remnant of my nation shall inherit them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 2:9 delivers a solemn divine oath from the LORD of hosts, pronouncing an irreversible and comprehensive judgment upon the nations of Moab and Ammon. These historical adversaries of Israel, known for their pride and hostility, are destined to suffer a desolation akin to that of Sodom and Gomorrah, becoming barren wastes fit only for nettles and saltpits. Crucially, this prophecy culminates in a powerful reversal of fortunes, declaring that the faithful remnant of God's people will not only survive but will also plunder and inherit the lands of their former oppressors, demonstrating God's unwavering justice and His commitment to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 2:9 is situated within a broader section of Zephaniah's prophecy (chapters 2-3) that extends the scope of the "Day of the LORD" beyond Judah to the surrounding nations. Specifically, verses 8-11 target Moab and Ammon, two nations perpetually hostile to Israel, located east of the Dead Sea. This immediate context follows a call for Judah to seek the Lord and humility ([Zephaniah 2:3](/zephaniah/2-3 "Zephaniah 2:3 - Seek the LORD")), and it precedes judgments against other nations like Philistia ([Zephaniah 2:4-7](/zephaniah/2-4-7 "Zephaniah 2:4-7 - Judgment on Philistia")) and Ethiopia and Assyria ([Zephaniah 2:12-15](/zephaniah/2-12-15 "Zephaniah 2:12-15 - Judgment on Ethiopia and Assyria")). The pronouncement against Moab and Ammon in verse 9 is particularly severe, emphasizing their long-standing taunts and territorial encroachments against the people of the LORD.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period marked by significant spiritual reform in Judah but also by the looming threat of foreign powers, particularly Assyria and later Babylon. Moab and Ammon, descendants of Lot ([Genesis 19:37-38](/genesis/19-37-38 "Genesis 19:37-38 - Origins of Moab and Ammon")), were ancient enemies of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict, taunting, and oppression. Their historical animosity is well-documented, from their refusal to provide Israel with passage and provisions during the Exodus ([Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3-6 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")) to their later military aggressions. Culturally, these nations often practiced idolatry, including child sacrifice, which was an abomination to the God of Israel. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah would have resonated deeply with the ancient audience, immediately conjuring images of utter, divinely-ordained destruction due to profound wickedness and pride.
* **Key Themes:** Zephaniah 2:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **Divine Sovereignty and Justice** of the LORD, who, as the "God of Israel" and "LORD of hosts," exercises absolute authority over all nations and history, executing judgment on those who oppose His people and His will. Secondly, the prophecy highlights the theme of **Irreversible Desolation** for the wicked, using the vivid imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah, nettles, and saltpits to depict a complete and lasting ruin for Moab and Ammon. Finally, and perhaps most significantly for Israel, it reinforces the theme of **Reversal of Fortunes and Restoration** for God's faithful **remnant**. This concept, prevalent in prophetic books like Isaiah ([Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Returns")) and Micah ([Micah 4:7](/micah/4-7 "Micah 4:7 - The Remnant Will Be a Strong Nation")), assures God's people that despite their suffering, a faithful portion will endure, be vindicated, and ultimately inherit the blessings promised by God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **live (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From the root meaning "to live," this word signifies being alive, fresh, strong, or life itself. In the phrase "as I live," it forms a solemn divine oath, emphasizing the absolute certainty and unwavering commitment of God to fulfill His word. It is a declaration sworn by God's very existence and vitality, indicating that what follows is as sure as God's own being.
* **children (Hebrew, _bên_):** This term broadly refers to a son, offspring, or descendant, and by extension, the members of a nation or group. In "the children of Ammon," it specifies the entire people group descended from Ammon, highlighting that the judgment is comprehensive, targeting the collective identity and lineage of this adversarial nation.
* **remnant (Hebrew, _yether_):** Properly meaning "an overhanging," this word implies an excess, superiority, or what remains. In a theological context, it refers to a surviving, residual, or final portion of a people. Here, "the remnant of my people" signifies the faithful portion of Israel who will survive the judgment and be preserved by God, destined to inherit the lands of their enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and unwavering certainty behind the prophecy. "As I live" is a powerful, self-attesting oath, unique to God, indicating that the following declaration is utterly immutable and will certainly come to pass. The titles "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) and "the God of Israel" underscore His omnipotence as the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, and His covenant relationship with His chosen people, whose cause He champions.
* **"Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah,"**: This pronouncement delivers the core judgment. The comparison of Moab and Ammon to Sodom and Gomorrah is a vivid and terrifying simile, immediately evoking images of complete, catastrophic, and irreversible destruction, akin to the divine judgment by fire and brimstone in Genesis. It signifies that their wickedness and pride have reached a point where only utter annihilation, leaving no chance of recovery, is fitting.
* **"[even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation:"**: This clause elaborates on the nature of the desolation. "Breeding of nettles" (thorny weeds) and "saltpits" describe a land rendered utterly barren and uninhabitable, choked with useless weeds and poisoned by salt, making it infertile and desolate forever. The phrase "perpetual desolation" emphasizes the lasting and unending nature of this ruin, a stark contrast to the fertile lands Moab and Ammon once occupied.
* **"the residue of my people shall spoil them,"**: This marks a dramatic shift, introducing the theme of reversal and vindication for Israel. "The residue of my people" refers to the faithful remnant who survive God's judgments. This remnant, once oppressed, will now plunder their former oppressors, taking their possessions and resources. This act of "spoiling" signifies a complete reversal of power and a divine recompense for past injustices.
* **"and the remnant of my people shall possess them."**: This final clause solidifies the reversal of fortunes. The "remnant of my people" (using a slightly different but synonymous Hebrew term for remnant) will not merely plunder but will "possess" or inherit the lands of Moab and Ammon. This speaks to a lasting occupation and inheritance, fulfilling God's promise to His people and demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant. It signifies not just a temporary victory but a permanent restoration and territorial expansion for the faithful few.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 2:9 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of divine judgment and restoration. The most prominent is the **Divine Oath**, "as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel," which lends absolute certainty and gravity to the prophecy, making it an unchangeable decree from the sovereign God. The verse powerfully employs **Simile** by comparing Moab and Ammon to "Sodom and Gomorrah," immediately invoking a well-known biblical archetype of comprehensive, divinely-ordained destruction due to profound wickedness. This comparison is a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the impending judgment. Furthermore, the **Imagery** of "breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation" paints a vivid and chilling picture of utter barrenness and uninhabitable ruin, reinforcing the permanence of the judgment. Finally, the verse concludes with a striking **Contrast** and **Reversal of Fortunes**, shifting from the complete destruction of Israel's enemies to the triumphant vindication and inheritance of the land by "the residue of my people" and "the remnant of my people," highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant and His ultimate justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 2:9 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over all nations. It teaches that national pride, hostility towards God's people, and persistent wickedness will inevitably incur severe divine judgment, demonstrating that no nation is beyond the reach of God's righteous decrees. Furthermore, the verse powerfully affirms God's faithfulness to His covenant people, assuring them that even amidst widespread judgment, a faithful remnant will be preserved, vindicated, and ultimately blessed with restoration and dominion over their former oppressors. This dual message of certain judgment for the unrighteous and sure vindication for the righteous is a foundational truth throughout biblical prophecy, providing both a warning and a source of hope.

* [Numbers 14:28](/numbers/14-28 "Numbers 14:28 - God Swears by His Life")
* [Genesis 19:24-25](/genesis/19-24-25 "Genesis 19:24-25 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Shall Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 2:9 serves as a potent reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to justice. For us today, it underscores that God sees and will ultimately address all forms of injustice, oppression, and hostility directed against His people. This should instill both a healthy fear of God's judgment for those who oppose Him and His purposes, and a profound sense of comfort and assurance for believers. When faced with opposition or hostility, we are reminded that God is our ultimate vindicator and that His promises to His faithful "remnant" are steadfast. This passage encourages us to cultivate humility, trust in God's perfect timing, and to align our lives with His righteous standards, knowing that His word is immutable and His plans for His people will prevail. It calls us to live as part of that faithful remnant, seeking His will and enduring in faith, confident in His ultimate triumph and our inheritance in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's oath ("as I live") impact your understanding of His promises and warnings?**
* **What lessons can we draw from the judgment on Moab and Ammon regarding national pride and hostility towards God's people?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a "remnant" offer hope and encouragement to believers facing adversity today?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's justice, even when you see injustice seemingly prevail in the world?**

### FAQ

**Why are Moab and Ammon singled out for such a severe judgment?**

Answer: Moab and Ammon, descendants of Lot, were historical and persistent adversaries of Israel. They were known for their pride, their taunting of God's people, and their territorial encroachments (as mentioned in [Zephaniah 2:8](/zephaniah/2-8 "Zephaniah 2:8 - Moab and Ammon's Taunts")). Their actions demonstrated a deep-seated contempt for the LORD and His chosen nation. The severity of the judgment, comparing them to Sodom and Gomorrah, reflects the cumulative weight of their historical antagonism, idolatry, and unrepentant wickedness against God's covenant purposes. It underscores that God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly their treatment of His people.

**What is the significance of the "remnant" in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "remnant" (Hebrew: _she'erith_ and _yether_) is a crucial theological concept throughout prophetic literature. In Zephaniah 2:9, it refers to the faithful portion of Israel who will survive the impending judgments and be preserved by God. Its significance lies in demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when the majority of His people may stray. This remnant is not merely spared but is also chosen to inherit the blessings and even the lands of their oppressors, signifying a complete reversal of fortunes and a future of restoration and vindication for those who remain loyal to the LORD. This theme points to God's enduring plan for His people, culminating in the ultimate remnant found in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 2:9 directly addresses the historical judgment of Moab and Ammon and the restoration of Israel's physical remnant, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the spiritual realities of God's ultimate kingdom. The severe judgment meted out to Moab and Ammon, likened to Sodom and Gomorrah, foreshadows the absolute and final judgment upon all unrepentant sin and rebellion against God, a judgment fully revealed in Christ's triumph over sin and death, and ultimately in His return ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). The "remnant of my people" who spoil and possess their enemies finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church, the spiritual Israel, composed of all who are in Christ, both Jew and Gentile ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel is Israel")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual enemies, inheriting not merely physical land but the eternal kingdom of God ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth"); [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The desolation of Moab and Ammon symbolizes the ultimate defeat of all forces hostile to God's people, while the "possession" by the remnant points to the church's spiritual inheritance and victory in Christ, who has already disarmed the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, Zephaniah's prophecy, sworn by the living God, finds its most profound and enduring reality in the person and work of Jesus Christ, through whom God's people receive ultimate vindication and eternal inheritance.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 15:1

¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;

Isaiah 15:9

For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

Isaiah 11:14

But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

Deuteronomy 29:23

[And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

Isaiah 25:10

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

Jeremiah 50:40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Isaiah 49:18

¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].